Hearty Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Thick, rich, meaty sauce loaded with the flavors of Italy! I finally wrote it down as I went along! PLEASE don't let the list of ingredients scare you off, it's really VERY easy!! You'll never buy "those jars" again! :)

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• Meat mixture

• 1 1⁄2 lbs hamburger
• 1  lb  ground mild Italian sausage
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 1  small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1  teaspoon  whole fennel seed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  dried Italian seasoning
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil

• Sauce

• 3 (15 ounce) cans Hunts tomato sauce
• 1 (14 ounce) can  delmonte original stewed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can Contadina tomato paste
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  dried Italian seasoning
• 1⁄4 teaspoon thyme
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1  tablespoon  packed dark brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon  packed dark brown sugar
• 1  bay leaf
• 1⁄2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
• 1⁄8-1⁄4 teaspoon salt, to taste (optional)
• 1 (8 ounce)  cont. fresh  sliced mushrooms

Directions

1. In large mixing bowl, combine well with hands the 2 meats.
2. Add to deep, large non-stick skillet. *If not using non-stick pan, add a little olive oil to pan first so it won't stick.
3. Sprinkle EVENLY rest of meat mixture ingredients over meats. Stir meats to mix in herbs and spices.
4. Cook over medium heat til meat is no longer pink. Break up meat as you go along, but just don't overdo it. You don't want tiny, overly fine pieces.
5. Drain grease.
6. Pour into large heavy-bottomed pot.
7. Add rest of ingredients EXCEPT mushrooms, and stir/fold to mix well.
8. Now add the mushrooms! :).
9. Heat over medium heat til simmering.
10. Lower heat to just a simmer and cook, stirring every so often, for about 30 minutes.
11. Serve over hot, cooked and well drained spaghetti, thin spaghetti, mostaccioli, or rotini noodles.
12. Serve with tossed salad, garlic bread and parmesan cheese on the side if desired. ENJOY!